Betty “Joan” Andersen

Betty “Joan” Andersen, age 79, passed away Saturday, Feb. 16, at her home in Polson.  Betty Joan Seifert was born to Albert and Betty Seifert on February 16, 1934, in Cabin #2 of Lakeview Cabins across the Polson Bridge. She was raised in Reservoir Valley and attended the Reservoir Valley country school for eight years. She then went on to attend Polson schools, graduating with the class of 1951. She was a hard worker on her parents’ farm below Ely Gap and learned a lot in her Mother’s kitchen. On November 10, 1951, she married the love of her life, Howard Andersen. Together they resided in Polson their entire life. Their three children were born in Polson. Joan was a member of the Polson Christian Church, Past Worthy Matron of the Mystic Chapter of Eastern Star, Grand Cross of Colors, Spark and Throttle Club, and Sons of Norway. Joan worked at U.S. Plywood and Dupuis Lumber Company until their closures. She worked at D & H Food Mart for several years. She was the bookkeeper at the local Gambles Store for 19 years and then worked for Security State Bank for 20 years until her retirement. She loved to decorate cakes, entertain family and friends, gardening, and all that went with it, including a big vegetable garden and lovely flower gardens. She also enjoyed helping her kids with their 4-H projects over the years. Joan was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carl and Katie Seifert, and Andrew and Jennie Wigen; parents, Albert and Betty Seifert; three infant sisters; brother, Carl Seifert; and son-in-law, Vernon Bailey. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Howard; son, Mark Andersen of Polson; two daughters, Audrey Andersen of Sedro Woolley, Wash., and Christine Bailey of Polson; two very special grandsons, Andy and Greg Bailey; sisters, Gloria (Jim) Crawford of Moses Lake, Wash., and Kathleen Hartsoch and significant other (Dave Kesting) of Polson; sister-in-law, Peggy Seifert of Polson; and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, at Grogan Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 22, at 1 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Polson. Burial will take place at Lake View Cemetery.  A reception will follow the burial at the church. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.